Looking for an easy way to make bath time more fun? This DIY play dough bath soap takes just three simple ingredients and about five minutes to make. Kids can squish it, mold it into shapes, and then use it like soap in the tub — all without play dough ending up all over the house.
Mess Free DIY Play Dough Bath Soap
My kids love playing with play dough but they make a horrible mess every single time. Play dough ends up everywhere in the house! And on top of being a complete mess, it really is a pain to clean it.
Do you have the same problem and need a solution? After all, kids won’t be little forever so we need to let them have some fun. Ok so I found a solution! Bath time play dough is the answer. Your kids can make their favorite pieces of art while taking a bath. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about cleaning the entire house later.
I think this easy DIY idea is GENIUS. Now my kids can play with play dough and don’t make a mess at all. Clever, useful and fun bath time activity! The toy they are playing with also becomes a soap. Plus, you don’t have to worry about making a mess, this idea is completely clean. Check out more DIY ideas your kids will love too!
Your kids will have so much fun making different shapes and playing with the dough while you know it is safe (you use natural ingredients), mess-free, and it also gets them cleaned. Yes, after you play with it, you can use it as a soap. Win! Win!
How to Make Play Dough Bath Soap
You can make it with only 3 ingredients: Corn Starch
, Body Wash
(this is the one I used for this recipe), and Coconut Oil.
You can choose any body wash you want. I prefer natural products for my family. A relaxing bath is great for children and helps them sleep better. The coconut oil will also leave their skins super soft.
Choose a body wash your child already tolerates well, avoid the eyes and mouth, and supervise younger children during bath play. If your child has sensitive skin, skip fragrances or essential oils and test a small amount first. If you already use a child-appropriate fragrance or product your family likes, you can customize the scent.
You can also make it extra fun (totally optional), by adding natural food coloring.
 Choose your children’s favorite colors. Involve your kids in the process and make it extra fun. My kids had a blast making their own play dough bath soap!
DIY Play Dough Bath Soap at a Glance
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Ingredients: Cornstarch, body wash, coconut oil
- Best for: Bath-time sensory play
- Storage: Airtight container
- Keeps for: About 1 week
How to Store Homemade Play Dough Soap
Make sure you store your DIY play dough in an airtight container until bathtime to avoid soap drying out. In case this happens, add a little more body wash and mix the dough again.
I give my kids a little piece of each color each time they want to play with it in the bathtub. This recipe will last about a week. Your kids will actually look forward to taking a bath and you will be happy they won’t make a mess in the house. It is really a genius idea to kid little ones entertained at bath time.
Simple, fun, and entertaining DIY play dough idea. Give it a try, I’m sure your kids will also love it. If you are interested in other fun bath time ideas, please check out my Detox Bath Bombs For Kids.
Play Dough Bath Soap Troubleshooting
Too sticky?
Add a little more cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time.
Too dry or crumbly?
Add a small amount of body wash and knead again.
Too soft?
Add a little more cornstarch until it becomes easy to mold.
Dried out in storage?
Knead in a small amount of body wash to soften it again.
Does play dough soap dissolve in the bath?
It softens and breaks apart as children play with it in the water. I recommend using small pieces at a time and rinsing away any remaining residue after the bath rather than putting large chunks directly down the drain.
Play Dough Bath Soap Video Tutorial
DIY Play Dough Bath Soap 3 Ingredients Only
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 4 play dough bath soaps 1x
Description
Easy DIY play dough bath soap idea. Super fun and entertaining bath time activity for kids. Made with only 3 ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup body wash
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil melted
- Essential oils *optional
- Natural food coloring *optional
Instructions
- Simply mix all ingredients together using your hands and make your dough.
- Add a little corn starch is your dough is too liquid or a little more body wash if the dough is too solid. Mix well until you get the right texture. It should be very soft and moldable.
- You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you use a fragrance free body wash. You can also add a few drops of natural food coloring to make different colors.
- Store in a closed container at room temperature. Lasts about one week.
- Category: DIY
Keywords: diy, bath soap, play dough
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Play Dough Bath Soap
How long does homemade play dough bath soap last?
I recommend storing your play dough bath soap in an airtight container at room temperature and using it within about one week. Keeping the container tightly closed will help prevent the dough from drying out between baths.
What body wash works best for play dough bath soap?
You can use a body wash your child already uses and tolerates well. I prefer a gentle body wash, especially for younger kids or children with sensitive skin. If you choose a fragrance-free body wash, you can keep the recipe simple without adding extra fragrance.
Why is my play dough soap too sticky?
If your play dough bath soap feels too sticky or wet, add a little more cornstarch, about one tablespoon at a time. Knead it well after each addition until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and easy to mold.
What if my play dough soap is too dry or crumbly?
If the dough is too dry, add a very small amount of body wash and knead it again. Start with just a little because it is much easier to add more than to fix dough that becomes too wet.
Does play dough bath soap dissolve in the bath?
The dough will soften and break apart as kids play with it and use it as soap. I like to give my kids a small amount at a time rather than putting a large piece into the tub. Rinse away any leftover residue when bath time is finished.
Can I add food coloring to play dough bath soap?
Yes. A few drops of food coloring can make this bath activity even more fun. Divide the finished dough into smaller portions and add a different color to each one. Start with only a tiny amount so the color does not become too intense.
Can I make play dough bath soap without coconut oil?
I recommend making the recipe with the coconut oil because it helps give the dough its soft, moldable texture. I haven’t tested every possible substitute, so for the most consistent results, I would stick with the original three-ingredient recipe.
Is play dough bath soap safe for kids?
Because this is used during bath time, choose ingredients your child already tolerates well and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth. Younger children should always be supervised while playing with it. If your child has sensitive skin, use a gentle fragrance-free body wash and skip optional fragrances or essential oils.
Can kids actually wash with play dough soap?
Yes—that’s part of what makes this activity so fun. Kids can squish it, roll it, make shapes with it, and then use a small piece like soap during bath time. It turns an ordinary bath into a simple sensory activity while also helping them wash up.
How should I store homemade play dough soap?
Keep it in a sealed airtight container when it isn’t being used. If it starts to dry out, try kneading in a very small amount of body wash until it becomes soft and moldable again.
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Hi, this sounds great for when the grands are staying over and I’m begging them to get in the tub! I think they will be more inclined to bathe if they’ve made their bath wash. I have a question. Will this dissolve on its own while they are playing with it or does it leave clumps. Don’t want to stop up the drain.
Thanks!